Transportation

Assessments for Passenger Carriers & Railroads

Pipeline Safety

The Pipeline Safety section is responsible for enforcing federal and Commission pipeline safety regulations as they apply to the certificated natural gas utilities in Pennsylvania. Acting as an agent for the federal Office of Pipeline Safety and the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Pipeline Safety Section enforces the federal pipeline safety regulations as adopted by the PUC.

Motor Carrier

The PUC regulates Motor Carriers that transport property, passengers or household goods as well as brokers of passenger transportation between points in Pennsylvania for compensation. Property carriers (e.g., trucking companies) and charter bus carriers (seating capacity of more than 15) are regulated for safety and insurance requirements only.

Effective Dec.15, 2004, motor carriers using five-axle tractor trailers to transport ashes, rubbish, excavate and road construction materials, must obtain a certificate of public convenience to transport these items in intrastate commerce. This is required by Act 201 of 2004, signed by Gov. Edward G. Rendell on Dec. 1, 2004. To obtain a certificate of public convenience, these companies must complete Form 189 - Application for Motor Common Carrier of Property, which is available under Online Forms.

Other passenger services and household goods carriers (moving companies) are regulated regarding rates, geographical area, customer service, safety and insurance. Currently, there are approximately 7,500 carriers and passenger brokers operating in Pennsylvania under the rules of and regulations of the PUC.

The application process for new motor carrier applicants has been streamlined. Please discard any old application forms and instructions and replace with the new forms and instructions that have a revised date of 9/11. Please submit one (1) original of each filing to the attention of the Secretary's Bureau; DO NOT submit copies to the Compliance Section or the Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement.

As of April 10, 2005, taxicab and limousine service in Philadelphia falls under the jurisdiction of the Philadelphia Parking Authority. For more information, see our Philadelphia Taxicab and Limousine page.

Rail Safety

The Rail Safety Section performs two distinct functions. The Section handles proceedings pertaining to the abolition, alteration, construction, relocation and suspension of public highway-railroad crossings to effectuate the prevention of accidents and the promotion of the safety of the public. Secondly, the Section inspects the facilities of the railroad companies for compliance of Public Utility Commission Railroad Regulations and Federal Railroad Administration Regulations as it relates to track, motive power and equipment, hazardous material and operating practice.